27/02/2024
The Maldives was a bucket list destination of mine. Growing up, the reason that I fell in love with it wasn't related to the fancy overwater villas or luxurious resorts - my love came from the images I saw of what was under the water. Incredible coral reefs, marine life and the visibility that made it all feel like visiting another planet.
During a trip to Mexico in 2011, I spontaneously decided to gain my PADI Open Water license. I completed the theory elements of the training sat by the pool and in a classroom in the dive centre and then conducted the required dives in order to complete my qualification.
Gaining my PADI Open Water opened up a whole new world for me. I have been fortunate to travel all over the globe, and a key part of my travels has always been what I could see below the surface of the ocean. When you dip below... the mental chatter ceases to exist. Nothing else matters. It's just you, your buddy and the big blue. Never have I had a dive that I wasn't overwhelmed with gratitude for.
In 2022, after my daughter experienced a mysterious illness that required huge adjustments in her everyday life, at the age of 13 years old she learned how to dive. Together, we travelled to the Maldives, where she was supported by the team at Dive Butler to achieve her PADI Open Water. She took to it so naturally. While walking on land was a trial and memory issues were a daily reminder of the mountain that lay ahead - being underwater provided complete freedom. It gave her confidence. And most importantly, it highlighted opportunities for her future.
Almost two years on and we have travelled many times to the Maldives together for diving adventures. Most recently, in December we had our first experience outside of the resorts. We stayed on a local island and went on a new diving adventure. This time we achieved my biggest diving dream... to dive with a whale shark.
We both cried into our masks and couldn't talk about anything else for the rest of the trip.
These memories are ours for a lifetime.
And we want to help you to create your own.
Ellen and I are co-hosting a special experience in the Maldives this August.
We are taking a small group to a local island in the world-renowned Baa Atoll (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
Here's what you can look forward to during our retreat:
🤿 Scuba Diving Instruction: Receive expert instruction from certified dive instructors who will guide you through the basics of scuba diving or help you advance your skills to the next level.
🤿 Guided Dive Excursions: Embark on daily dive excursions to some of the Maldives' most renowned dive sites, where you'll have the chance to encounter majestic manta rays, graceful sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with life.
🛏️ Local Island Accommodation: Relax and unwind in comfort at a brand-new guest house. Private or shared room options are available. Immediate access to stunning views of the turquoise lagoons and the pristine white-sand beaches.
🇲🇻 Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Maldives with guided island tours, traditional Maldivian cooking classes, and cultural performances showcasing the local music and dance.
🧘🏻♀️ Retreat Activities: Rejuvenate your senses with meditation sessions on the beach, ad-hoc coaching opportunities, and the space to dream up how life gets to be beyond this experience.
Imagine immersing yourself in the serene waters of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, colorful marine life, and the warm tropical sun. Our retreat is designed for both beginner and experienced divers alike, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the underwater wonders of the Maldives while learning or honing your scuba diving skills.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure in paradise and discover the magic of scuba diving in the Maldives!
DM to explore.
Personal Travel Specialist at Brilliant Travel. ABTA & ATOL Protected. Maldives specialist 🇲🇻🏝️✨ Vincent Place 
